eemed to be not only the _best_ but
the _only_ thing I could do, under the circumstances.

On reaching home I found that my mother had spent the entire afternoon
in a fruitless effort to decipher the cryptogram, much to her
disappointment; so, by way of giving her something else to think about,
I told her of the idea that had occurred to me during my walk; of the
chat I had had with Mr Richards about it, and of his offer to assist me
with a loan, if need were. The dear old mater entered upon the subject
with enthusiasm, as she always did upon any plan or scheme upon which I
had set my heart; and though at first the idea of trusting all my
savings to the mercy of the treacherous sea failed to commend itself to
her, she came round to my view at length, and dissipated the only
scruples I had had by unreservedly assenting to my proposal.

The matter settled thus far, the next thing to be done was to obtain my
master's certificate; and this I determined to do forthwith, and to look
about me for a ship at the same time. I knew exactly what I wanted, but
scarcely expected to get it with the amount at my disposal, even with
such assistance as Mr Richards might be able to afford me. Still, I
was in no hurry for a month or two; I should have a little time to look
about me; and if I could not find precisely what I wanted, I should
perhaps succeed in obtaining a reasonably near approach to it.

Accordingly, on the following day I made the few preparations that were
necessary; called upon Mr Richards again and acquainted him with my
decision, and, on the day afterwards, took an early train to London, and
not only settled myself in lodgings in the neighbourhood of Tower Hill,
but also arranged with a "coach" to give me the "polishing-up" necessary
to obtain my certificate, before night closed down upon the great city.

CHAPTER THREE.

THE "ESMERALDA."

As I had been sensible enough to make the most of my opportunities at
sea, I was both a crack seaman and a first-rate navigator; I needed
therefore no very great amount of coaching to enable me to pass my
examination; and a month later saw me a full-fledged master, with a
certificate in my pocket, which empowered me to take the command of a
passenger-ship, if I could obtain it.

Meanwhile, I had been keeping a quiet lookout for such a ship as I had
in my mind's eye, and indeed had looked at several, but had hitherto
found nothing to suit me. I had also called two or thre